Chiropractic Care
for Seniors

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Is seeing a chiropractor safe for seniors?

Many people think of a chiropractic adjustment as an aggressive thrust, snap, or pop of the back. The reality is that chiropractors use a number of techniques, a majority of them gentle enough for older patients. For those who are at high risk for complications from many pain medications, seeing a chiropractor is an excellent solution for pain relief.

Some of the benefits to seniors from seeing a chiropractor:
Seeing a chiropractor for general aches and pains, as well as chronic conditions, can improve your quality of life during your later years.

Things to know about a chiropractor

A doctor of chiropractic is a medical professional just like your general physician. Chiropractors receive post-graduate education from specific, accredited chiropractic colleges and must be certified by a board of chiropractic examiners nationally and in states requiring it.

Chiropractic treatment is a form of alternative medicine because it uses a more holistic approach. Chiropractors do not rely on prescription medications or invasive techniques like steroid shots or surgical procedures.

 
  • Accredited education and board certified
  • No prescription medications
  • Treatment options for all ages

The American College of Physicians recommends seeing a chiropractor as the first line of treatment for low back pain because of their conservative approach (Source). You do not need a referral from your general physician to see a chiropractor.

Many insurance plans cover chiropractic care. Our office can tell you if your health insurance benefits include chiropractic treatment.
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Drug-free treatment for aches and pains

For most people, the general method of treatment for back pain is taking over-the-counter medications, specifically non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs.

These medications pose risks of things like gastric ulceration and increased risk of heart attack and stroke in elderly patients (Source). This does not even consider the potential complications of mixing these drugs with medications many seniors already take for other conditions.

How can you find pain relief when the usual medications are not an option for you? Seeing a chiropractor is the preferred conservative approach to pain relief. As part of your integrative health care, chiropractors can work in tandem with your other doctors and specialists to improve your health and encourage a better quality of life.

Care for your aging body

Chiropractic care centers around spinal adjustments and the resulting health benefits of a correctly aligned spine and functioning nervous system. Chiropractors adjust their care to the needs of their patients, so treatment for older adults is safe and gentle.

Chiropractic treatment can help treat many pains and conditions often experienced by seniors.
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Arthritis

If you have back pain or neck pain due to osteoarthritis, chiropractic care is one of the safest therapies you can choose for arthritis treatment (Source). Some forms of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, are inflammatory diseases and may cause secondary pain problems. While chiropractors will not aggravate the inflamed joint, they can treat your secondary pain issues.

Treating the surrounding tissues of an inflamed joint can significantly reduce overall pain. There are several chiropractic methods like ultrasound therapy, electrotherapy, and cold laser therapy that can be done without even touching an arthritic joint.
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Bursitis

Your joints are surrounded by small cushions called bursa that reduce friction between bone and muscle. When your joints are under pressure or are overused from work or physically-demanding hobbies, the bursa can become inflamed and cause joint pain.

Bursitis is inflammation that occurs most commonly in the elbows, hips, and shoulders and sometimes in the knees and feet. It usually occurs in people over 40.
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Chronic Pain

Whether it is from a pre-existing condition, previous injury, or just general deterioration of the body over time, many older adults face chronic pain issues that can be managed by chiropractic care. Chiropractors promote optimal nerve function by treating the spine, which protects the central nervous system.

Correcting spinal alignment can increase blood and nutrient flow in your body and increase immunity. Pain-free living means seniors are more active and less likely to require nursing home care.
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Low Back Pain

If you've spent the afternoon in the garden or carrying and playing with grandchildren, you may experience back pain the next day. Truthfully, this isn't because you are old. Lower back pain is a complaint of eighty to ninety percent of adults in the United States (Source).

Chiropractic care helps relieve aches and pains that you normally might turn to medications to treat. With more people needing alternative, drug-free options, millions of people have chosen to see a chiropractor.
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Neck Pain

As your body ages, there is natural wear and tear and deterioration.

When this happens in the cervical spine or neck, it can hinder your balance and coordination. Chiropractic treatment reduces pressure on cervical nerves and increases balance – reducing the likelihood of potential falls and injuries.

 
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seniors from Elk River Chiropractor

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